Computer Security Tips Around Campus from IT

Review these security tips before you start surfing the WEB with that new computer.

1. Run an anti-virus program
One of the most important things you can do to help keep you and your computer safe while on-line is to run a  good quality anti-virus program.  Every computer should have a good quality anti-virus program installed and running on it. Windows computers are not the only computers that get infected by computer worms and viruses. Even Mac and UNIX computers can be infected by worms and Trojan horse programs.

2. Install security updates
All computer programs, including the computer's operating system (Windows, Mac OS, Linux), have flaws (bugs) in them.  New bugs are discovered every week.  Microsoft and Apple release updated versions of their programs on a regular basis. To help keep you and your computer safe while connected to the internet, keep your  computer's operating system and the other programs you use up to date with the latest security updates.

3. Avoid Spyware and Adware
The most common way of getting Spyware and Adware on your computer is by downloading and installing the really cool free software from the internet (free music programs, games, screen savers, etc.). Another common way of getting Spyware and Adware is by clicking on pop-up ads and banner ads.  Not all pop-up ads and  banner ads install spyware but many do.  To avoid spyware, do not download free software from the internet.  Never install software onto a computer that does not belong to you.  Only visit reputable web sites.  Whenever possible, disable ActiveX controls and Java Script in your WEB browser.  Unfortunately, this may cause some WEB sites not to work right.  Install a name brand anti-spyware cleaner and run it regularly.

4. Be on the alert for "Phishing" (fishing) attacks
A "phishing" attack is a phony Email message or IM message that tries to trick you into visiting a phony WEB site or open a file attachment.  The purpose of the attack is to trick you into disclosing your confidential information (credit card number, bank account number, usernames and passwords etc.).  Phishing messages usually look like official Email from your bank, eBay, PayPal, the FBI, CIA or IRS, or Metro State but, in reality, they have been forged.  Legitimate Email from your bank, and others, will never prompt you for your confidential information.  Do not click on links inside of such Email.  Always type the "real" URL, that you already know, into your WEB browser by hand.

5. Use caution when opening file attachments
Do not open a file attachment unless all of the following are true:

* You know the sender and have received legitimate Email from them in the past.
* The subject line makes sense to you.
* The text of the message makes sense to you.
* You were expecting the sender to send you a file attachment.
* You know what the file attachment contains.
* You know why the attachment was sent to you.
* You have a good quality, up to date, anti-virus scanner installed, and running, on your computer.

6. Pay attention to your physical security
Restrict access to your PDA and laptop with a username and password (or biometric control).  Avoid saving a lot of confidential data on your laptop.  Encrypt data files that contain confidential data. Theft is usually a crime of opportunity.  Keep valuables (laptop and PDA) locked up and out of site when not in use.  Record the make,
model and serial number of you PDA and Laptop.

Visit http://www.mscd.edu/~infotech/security/ for additional security tips.